Swissport signs letter of intent with blockchain start-ups

posted on 29th May 2018 by Justin Burns

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Swissport has signed a letter of intent with Winding Tree – a blockchain-based travel distribution platform – aimed at jointly exploring the potential of distributing Swissport’s existing travel services and new offers.

Blockchain will allow any provider to tap into Swissport’s inventory through Winding Tree. While the focus will initially be on distributing classic ancillary travel services to independent travellers, like airport lounge access for example, blockchain can facilitate an efficient distribution of additional services to individuals and corporate clients in the longer term.

Among Winding Tree’s travel industry partners so far are airlines and hotels. Swissport will be the platform’s launch partner for ancillary ground travel services.

Swissport head of innovation, Florian Eggenschwiler said: “Blockchain allows us to reimagine how we work with our partners in the complex aviation and logistics ecosystem.

“We expect to see lasting benefits from this technology for fragmented global industries like aviation services and supply chain. It will likely change how service providers, clients and partners will transact with each other.

“We want to get familiar with such technologies early in the innovation cycle and partner with technology leaders to explore its potential in our business for a variety of use cases.”

Swissport is also studying the benefits of blockchain for its cargo handling business, where tracking and documentation are of key importance. The company said it intends to start a pilot phase with Olam, a non-profit foundation, dedicated to developing an open-source platform for supply chain partners.